Category Archives: poet

5 Minutes 5 Questions With… Eternity Philops, author of Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Eternity Philops, author of Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One
(Black Tygre Publications)


eternity philops headshot
visions of a cryptic mystery book cover

(click on the pictures to see reader’s reviews of this book on amazon)

Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One is Eternity Philops’ first accomplished collection. A debut of her unique writing style and talent, Visions of a Cryptic Mystery showcases a diverse compendium of poetry and short stories born to Philops’ over an extensive period of time.

Divided into three concentrated segments, Philops’ literary assemblage encompasses works expressing love, life, and loss. Each piece is a real world reflection of the Black lesbian experience. Feel the intense sensations of a woman’s dual physical attraction. Look on as two lifelong friends reflect on the path not taken. Submerge yourself in the poetic prose of unconditional love, unfortunate loss, and all that’s in between.

Visions of a Cryptic Mystery will take readers on a journey that delves into their own emotions and passions. From the sexual to the spiritual, Philops’ creative imagery and metaphoric verse brings to life one’s own imaginative and emotional senses.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One?

Eternity Philops: I’ve been writing for what seems like my entire life. When I first started it was simply to try it as a creative outlet. I soon learned I had a real literary talent. Visions of a Cryptic Mystery is the resulting collection of poems over a number of years. At some point I was going through my collection, picking out the good from the bad, and decided that I had enough extraordinary work to publish my first book. The book title itself is born out of a description of my character and personality. I am in essence a cryptic mystery, and my writings are my creative visions.

JP: What sets Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One apart from other books of poetry?

EP: For one, it is a collection of not only poetry, but also of short stories. I personally have only come across such collections when they are in anthology form, not as an assemblage by a single author. The two forms can complement each other, and that is what I was going for.

What also sets my book apart is the writing style. I greatly enjoy Elizabethan/Shakespearean English and use it in a number of my poems. Also, despite my title being aimed at Black lesbians, it has a universal appeal to all kinds of women, and men too, regardless of race, culture, or sexuality. My book encompasses feelings and experiences that nearly anyone can relate, or at least empathize with.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One getting out to the public?

EP: Ha ha, I’m still working on that! I am new to the publishing scene. Being the renaissance woman I am, I opted to start my own publishing company rather than yield to the rules and regulations of another. But what success I have garnered thus far is due to patience and diligence, and seeking publicity wherever and whenever I can. Contacting you is a prime example of such. Writers can’t just sit and wait to be discovered because there is just far too much competition.

Forgive me if I sound conceited, but one has to really have a talent for writing. It’s competitive. There are a lot of works out there that really aren’t as good as one would think, yet they have large appeal. When you have a totally different style of writing with a different approach to subjects, you have to make sure your stuff is truly good to really get noticed.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One?

EP: I started writing in my childhood and just kept collecting my work as it flowed. I had no real intentions of publishing. It was just something to do that I was pretty good at. Once I decided to actually publish the collection and start a publishing company…let’s see, I technically started in November 2007.

Now I have to begin Volume Two. That will entail starting a whole new collection of poetry and short stories. In general, my writing process is to just write down whatever flows. Often I’ll come up with a title and tailor the story or poem to match that vision. That was the case with my short story, “Other Side of the Moon”. Other times I have a concept, begin to write, and it turns into something completely different, like my poem “Historian”.

But the most important thing is to just let creativity flow. When it does, write it down immediately. I’ve lost a lot of time on works because I didn’t write down a thought or line or passage when it came to me.

JP: What’s next for Eternity Philops?

EP: In addition to writing I’m also a novice photographer, and have been working on that a little (www.fledgeling-foto.com). I also have a few online shops: Defined By Faith (www.Defined-By-Faith.com), a shop with gay Christian merchandise, and Stupid Random Stuff (www.buy-this-stuff.com), which is exactly what it sounds like!

Right now I’m focusing on marketing Visions of a Cryptic Mystery and really getting myself noticed. The next two literary projects will be Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume Two, there will be three volumes in all, as well as a novel. Which will come first? Even I’m not sure on that one!

www.Eternity-Philops.com
www.MySpace.com/Defined_By_Faith

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With Chase Von, author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Chase Von, author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak
(Von Chase Publishing Company)

Chase von, the author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak, has had a story included in this publication featured in the 2007 American Review Literary Journal Vol. One, edited by world famous author, poet and consultant to the stars, Bryant H. McGill. Pieces of Chase’s work have also been included in Songs of Hope, a compilation by Sachel.

Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak is a collection of poetry, song lyrics, quotes and short stories that address many of the issues in today’s world, as well as life in general. Soft and touching in some places and quite direct in others, this book’s impact is most aptly summed up by the collection of heart-felt comments and testimonies listed on the back of the book.

Commentaries are given by actresses, teachers, poets and story tellers and inspirational singers, songwriters and life coaches. This book is sure to leave its mark on the world of literature and will, no doubt, have something in it that touches and reaches whomever reads it, from whatever walk or station in life.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak?

Chase Von:
Hey Joey, and I appreciate you finding the time to speak with me. I’ve been writing off and on since I was 12 or 13. I moved around a lot as a child being a product of a military father so books became the friends that I knew I could always take with me.

Even though I did fail the first grade, reading just came to me later. I suddenly knew how to read when I was small. It’s like all the squiggly little lines just made sense one day. After that, I had my head stuck in a book. Regardless how many times we moved or who I had to say good bye to, I still had Black Beauty, Big Red, The Call Of the Wild, Charlotte’s Web, to bring with me.

JP: What is the significance of the title Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak? Why did you choose it for the collection of poetry?

CV: Well Joey, originally, I was going to do a joint project with an incredible writer and friend by the name of Glynis Boyd. That, for reasons I don’t want to get into, fell through.

It was going to be a book from both the male and female perspective. It was going to be based on a poem I wrote called “Vibrations. Loud Thoughts, Silent Statements, Quiet Whispers” if I remember correctly, but I changed the title when it did fall through to provide a separation of sorts.

We had art work by a famous artist that was to be included but when things went sour, I felt going alone I had to change the name. Do know me and Glynis are still friends. I just felt that I had to go forth and continue and change what we had originally agreed to call it for new birth.

The other thing about the title is we have all heard of Dead Poets. So, in my opinion whether, I am alive or not, if someone picks up my book, it will still be an opportunity for them to hear me speak.

Lastly, I am Black, Blackfoot and Cherokee Indian and possibly French. Lots of people have heard of Black Elk or Sitting Bull. The name The Last Panther is a tribute to my American Indian heritage. I’m a mutt, meaning I am Black and Indian and also perhaps French according to family lore.

I did receive a picture from an aunt not too long ago of my great, great Grandfather who was born a slave, and taught to read by his father, who was also his master. As you know, it was taboo for the slaves to know how to read. My great, great grandfather founded one of the first black churches in Virginia.

Looking at the name, which I don’t want to reveal here, leads even more credence to the French part, but my world being a mutt is simple. Good People, Bad People. I don’t try and see colors, I try and see hearts. Makes life pretty simple in those regards.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak getting out to the public?

CV: Well, to be honest, the primary one I call not only my friend but my boss as well is Judyth Piazza. A wonderful and intelligent woman who interviewed me on her show, The American Perspective. After our interview she asked me if I would like to write for her and also mentor students.

I was blown away! Here’s a woman that has interviewed Jack Canfield, Billy D. Williams and God knows how many other notables asking me if I wanted to be a part of what she was doing.

I told her I, through my writing had met many interesting people as well and maybe in addition to dropping in and giving praise to student writers, sharing some of the things I had written, I could perhaps contribute and interview here and there as well.

The rest is historical to me. I’ve interviewed some amazing people, and I am of the opinion of when you give you get. So helping others get the word out about what they do has certainly made me more visible than I would have otherwise imagined.

And I have Judyth Piazza to thank for that.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak?

CV: I’m what you might call a catcher. I don’t get out of bed thinking I’m going to write something today. Thoughts hit me and if I’m near a computer I write them down. I’ve also been on buses writing them down on match books or what ever else I could find. Even the stories that come to me are things I catch. And have to find a way to get them before they get away.

Nothing takes long for me. In fact, it takes no time at all. I don’t live my life thinking. What can I write next? I live my life like wow. Another burst of thoughts that has to be caught!

JP: What’s next for Chase Von?

CV: I wish I knew, Joey. It’s hard to say. I am communicating and meeting and interviewing rising stars and stars that are already in place so who knows? I do hope to as the Game would say, have my pen feed me and mine one day. That’s a tall expectation for a poet although I also write song lyrics, quotes, and short stories, but I guess what’s next is I will continue to dream…and catch.

http://www.myspace.com/chase77777
Novesahc@aol.com

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2008 Motown Literary Meet and Greet for Readers and Writers

Literary Meet and Greet for Readers & Writers
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

WAYNE STATE
BARNES AND NOBLE
http://wayne.bncollege.com

82 West Warren
Detroit,  MI 48202

SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
10:30am – 1:30pm

In a literary community that needs a pick up, join readers and writers in an wonderful celebration of the written word.

Motown Writers Network hosts the 2008 Motown Literary Meet and Greet, where readers can find out the latest books that are out, check out other Michigan authors and book swap or donate books. Writers can come to network and learn about the business with other professionals.

Find out the latest events and organizations that are working to create a stronger literary community for Michigan. Supporting events such as this benefits and encourages everyone.

Light refreshments will be served.

Guest Authors will include:

  • Paula Tutman, suspense author & WDIV Anchor
  • Poet, Men-Tal, author of Silent Screams
  • Greg O. Jones, urban contemporary author, Destiny Interrupted
  • Kimberly Brooks, Christian Fiction author of He’s saved…But Is He For Real? & The Little Black Survival Book for Single Saints
  • Jessica Care Moore, Poet and Publisher
  • Monica Marie Jones, Young Adult & Urban Contemporary Author of The Ups and Downs of Being Round & newly released, Floss.
  • Sylvia Hubbard, Suspense Romance Author of  Secrets, Lies & Family Ties
  • John Jeffries, author of Stone+Fist+Brick+Bone

Invited literary community guests:

  • Margaret Williamson, President of Pro-Literacy of Detroit
  • Heather Buchanan, founder of Aquarius Press
  • Tracey Frazier, Coordinator of Steps in Faith Writing Challenge
  • Andrea McCatskill, coordinator of the Southeastern Bookclub Mix and Mingle

If you write or read – COME!

If you’ve published or getting published – COME!

If you know a friend who’s a reading fanatic or a writer, bring them and you COME!

If you don’t like to read or write, still COME!

This event is sponsored by
michigan-murder-mayhem

If you would like to sponsor this event or provide media coverage, please contact us at: motownwriters@yahoo.com